Director Suh Sung-rak: "Close South Korea-U.S. Cooperation on North Korea-U.S. Dialogue, Deep Interest in Iran Denuclearization"

On August 18, Suh Sung-rak, Director of the National Security Office, stated that, regarding U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks about the possibility of dialogue with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, “Our position is to carry out the necessary diplomatic efforts as a pacemaker, based on close cooperation with the United States on the dialogue between North Korea and the U.S.”

Director Suh made these comments while meeting with reporters at the press briefing room of the Blue House. He said, “We are monitoring and reviewing the messages and public statements President Trump has released on social media,” adding, “I hope that the friendly relationship between the leaders of North Korea and the United States, as conveyed in President Trump's message, will lead to meaningful dialogue. We also hope for tangible progress towards peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and expect discussions to resume for that purpose.”

Suh Sung-rak, Director of the National Security Office, is giving a preliminary briefing on his upcoming visits to the United States and South America at the press briefing room of the Blue House on the 22nd. 2026.7.22 Yonhap News Agency

On August 16 (local time), President Trump commented via Truth Social that, because he maintains a good relationship with Chairman Kim, he “instructed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to reduce the scope of the South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises.” Regarding the Iran issue, Trump also stated, “I called the President of Korea to ask if he could help us, and he said, ‘No thanks.’”

Director Suh responded to the issue of reducing military exercises by asserting, “Our government has been strengthening our independent defense capabilities in order to ensure robust security, and at the same time, continuing to coordinate with the United States on joint exercises and training based on the strong South Korea-U.S. alliance.” He emphasized, “We will continue this cooperation going forward.”

Additionally, Director Suh said, “Regarding the war in Iran and freedom of navigation in the Hormuz Strait, we have actively engaged in discussions with the international community, including the United States, from the outset.” He added, “Taking into account readiness on the Korean Peninsula and relevant domestic procedures, we have been reviewing feasible ways in which we could make a tangible military contribution.”

Furthermore, Director Suh explained, “North Korea breached its non-proliferation commitment and attempted to acquire nuclear weapons.” He noted, “In the same context, we are deeply interested in the denuclearization of Iran and are working with the international community on this issue.” He added, “Going forward, our government will maintain this position and continue to cooperate with the United States and the international community.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.